Regrowing Herbs from Kitchen Scraps

Follow this guide and you’ll grow an edible garden on your windowsill before you know it

Growing food from kitchen scraps is a fun, rewarding, and easy family activity with plenty of hands-on chores for everyone whatever their age. But did you know that in addition to sprouting avocados you can also regrow herbs? (And stay tuned for next week’s article on Composting for a full garden-to-kitchen- garden experience!)

I have a Love/Hate relationship with herbs. I love them but then they wilt and spoil, even when kept “fresh” in a damp paper towel. I’ve frozen them into ice cubes to dump into soup when I’ve had the wherewithal, I’ve attempted to dry them and place them in an empty shaker, but alas my fantasies about opening a refrigerator and having constant – or even regular – access to vibrant green dill, fragrant oregano, or spicy rosemary lasts about two days, and then the regret (and soppy leaves) sinks in.

Buy Your Herbs — Or Grow Them!

It takes less effort to buy herbs at the grocery store (or even order them then wonder what condition your giant bunch of parsley will arrive in – and from where) than it does to regrow your herbs from clippings. This simple practice cuts down on waste, saves money (and an icky fridge), while providing you with fresh flavors and your kids a hands-on experience with the wonders of the natural world.

The herbs I’ve focused on here are:

• Basil

• Mint

• Rosemary

• Cilantro

• Thyme

• Sage

Let’s get started!

How To Grow Your Herbs

There are two basic methods for regrowing herbs from kitchen scraps:

1. Water Propagation Method

Best for soft-stemmed herbs like basil, mint, and cilantro. It's perfect for beginners as you can watch the roots develop. You can even place a batch on your window sill and let them flower.

What you'll need:

• Clean glass or jar

• Water

• Herb cuttings

How-To

2. Take a 3-5 inch cutting from your herb

3. Most herbs prefer Stem cuttings but some respond best to Root cuttings, read on or investigate to learn more about yours

4. Place the new cutting in a glass of water with the cut end submerged

5. Each plant has a different light requirement (direct, indirect, etc), make sure to learn about yours

6. Change the water every 2-3 days to prevent algae growth (or have your child do this!)

7. Once roots are 1-2 inches long, transplant to soil for continued growth

You can easily see the root development happening in the water right before your eyes!

2. Direct Soil Propagation Method

This method works well for woodier herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage that can be more challenging to root in water.

What you'll need:

• Small pot with drainage

• Potting soil 

• Herb cuttings

Step-by-step process:

1. Take a 3-5 inch cutting from the parent herb plant

2. Cut just below a node (where the leaves emerge) with a sharp knife or scissors, taking leaves from the lower 2/3 of the stem

3. For woody herbs like these, cut the bottom at a 45-degree angle

4. Create a pencil-sized hole in damp soil 

5. Place your cutting carefully into the soil, planting 1-2 inches of the stem

6. Gently pat the soil down

7. Check each plant’s light preference

8. Check each plant’s soil preference

9. Roots should take roughly 3-6 weeks depending on the plant. Pull gently to test resistance.

Root Cutting vs Stem Cutting

Stem cuttings grow new roots at the stem, as opposed to root cuttings which produce new shoots. Root cuttings are harder to manage and require more time to grow, but certain plants prefer them, namely those with thick or fleshy roots like marjory or savory.

Stem cuttings are generally the preferred easiest method, not only for herbs but also houseplants, annuals, perennials, and sometimes some woody plants too. 

Growing Guides 

Basil

Basil is one of the easiest herbs to propagate in water and develops roots fast.

Tip: Pinch off flower buds to lengthen your plant’s life and flavor

Mint

Mint is an easy grower.

Tip: If you end up planting it in a flower bed, watch out! Plant in a container or observe as it takes over your entire bed.

Rosemary

Rosemary is one of the more difficult herbs to root but is worthwhile.

Tip: Be patient! And don’t over water. Once rooted, Rosemary grows best in drier conditions.

Cilantro

Tip: Cilantro can be regrown from its root base via a root clipping. Clip regularly to prevent flowering. If it does bolt, keep the seeds for cooking – or plant again! Transfer new roots to their own pot. Keep in partial sun.

Thyme

Tip: Use root cutting, keep in drier soil and bright sunlight, don’t overwater. Enjoy!

Growing Pains?

• To avoid your cuttings rotting in water, change it out every couple days.

• Post-planting woes? Intermediately cover new plants with a plastic bag to prevent wilting.

• Moving your new plants from water to soil can be a delicate transition for your more sensitive plants. To avoid shock, introduce cuttings gradually and (at least initially) keep soil damp.

Regrowing herbs from kitchen scraps is not just economical—it's a satisfying way to connect with the food cycle and reduce waste. With these simple techniques, you'll be well on your way to a continuous supply of fresh herbs grown right from your kitchen trimmings. Happy growing!

So You’ve Grown Your Herbs, Now What?

Fresh herbs enhance everyday cooking with small effort – simply snip a few leaves of basil for caprese salad or tomato sauce, add mint to summer drinks, iced tea, fruit salads, or essential oils, use rosemary with your roasted potatoes or chicken, sprinkle cilantro over tacos or blend to make pesto (typically made with basil), thyme’s an excellent addition to soups and stews with important health benefits, and sage mixed with butter makes yummy pasta – for those not allergic to it, like myself!

If you want to try your hand at some infusions or home remedies, these herbs make excellent infusions for oils, vinegars, and honey (try basil oil, mint vinegar, or sage honey), syrups for colds or poultices, or can be dried for longer storage by hanging bunches upside down in a well-ventilated area for 1-2 weeks or placed in a small pouch and kept in your clothing drawer, or burn dried sage for cleansing. They also make wonderful additions to homemade soaps or candles!

Herbal Hints

Trim regularly to foster more robust growth. Try multiple clippings for a higher chance of success. And don’t forget to label or you’ll end up having to wait until your clippings bloom again to find out what you have!